SSE Renewables has announced the selection of Seaway7, an Aberdeen-based company and part of the Subsea7 group, as preferred supplier for a major marine infrastructure package at the 1.4 GW Berwick Bank B offshore wind project in Scotland.

The agreement covers the engineering, procurement, construction and installation (EPCI) of offshore wind turbine foundations and subsea inter-array cables. The project is planned for the outer Firth of Forth, approximately 38 kilometres off the Scottish Borders coastline.

According to SSE's announcement, the agreement is expected to create or support 465 jobs across the UK, including 400 in Scotland, spanning direct employment, supply-chain activities and turbine foundation marshalling operations.

The appointment remains subject to a final contract award and SSE's final investment decision (FID), expected in late 2027.

Around 90 foundations in waters up to 59.7 metres deep

Seaway7's proposed scope includes the design, supply and installation of approximately 90 fixed-bottom turbine foundations, alongside the installation of subsea cables connecting the turbines.

The foundations would be installed in waters averaging 52 metres in depth, with maximum depths reaching 59.7 metres. According to SSE, these conditions would make Berwick Bank B the world's deepest fixed-bottom offshore wind farm upon completion.

The installation campaign is expected to use Seaway7's specialist vessels, including Seaway Alfa Lift, Seaway Strashnov and Seaway Phoenix.

The appointment builds on the companies' previous collaboration on the Beatrice and Seagreen offshore wind farms in Scotland, as well as ongoing work at Dogger Bank Wind Farm in the North Sea.

Agreement expected to support 465 UK jobs

Of the 465 jobs associated with the agreement, approximately 160 would be direct roles at Seaway7, managed from its Aberdeen base, while another 105 would be indirect jobs within the UK supply chain.

A further 200 direct and indirect jobs are expected to be supported through turbine foundation marshalling activities at a Scottish port, which SSE and Seaway7 will identify at a later stage.

With this latest commitment, SSE estimates that Berwick Bank B is now expected to create or support around 600 jobs across the UK, including more than 500 in Scotland, based on project commitments announced to date.

These figures also include 100 new long-term jobs and approximately 30 construction roles associated with SSE's planned operations and maintenance base at Montrose Port.

UK Government Energy Minister Michael Shanks welcomed the announcement, highlighting the potential of offshore wind investment to strengthen Scotland's industrial capabilities and support skilled employment.

Scotland's Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport, Stephen Flynn, also emphasised opportunities for the domestic supply chain, referring to the Scottish Government's commitment to invest up to £500 million in offshore wind port infrastructure and supply-chain development.

Offshore construction could begin in 2028

Berwick Bank B forms part of SSE's wider 4.1 GW Berwick Bank Offshore Wind Farm, which received consent in July 2025.

In January 2026, the 1.4 GW Berwick Bank B project secured a 20-year Contract for Difference (CfD) through Allocation Round 7 of the UK Government's CfD scheme, providing long-term revenue certainty for its electricity generation.

SSE expects to reach a final investment decision in late 2027. Subject to approval, preparatory offshore construction works could begin in 2028, with turbine foundation and inter-array cable installation scheduled to start in 2029 and conclude in 2031.

If developed to its full 4.1 GW capacity, the wider Berwick Bank project could become the world's largest offshore wind farm, with estimated annual electricity generation sufficient to power approximately 6.5 million UK homes.

SSE also estimates that the complete development could contribute around £8 billion to the UK economy and support more than 9,000 jobs. These projections relate to the entire Berwick Bank development rather than Berwick Bank B alone.

The selection of Seaway7 represents another step towards delivering Berwick Bank B, although the proposed marine works remain dependent on the final contract award and approval of the investment.